Food Safety in the Refrigerator: Food spoils quickly during the summer, so people often store leftovers in the refrigerator to prevent this. If the power supply remains uninterrupted, food stays safe in the fridge for several days. Many people consume refrigerated food even after a week; however, health experts advise that food does not remain safe indefinitely, even when refrigerated. Improper storage of leftovers can lead to food poisoning. Therefore, it is important to know the recommended timeframe for consuming refrigerated food.

Dr. Anil Bansal, Senior Physician and former President of the Delhi Medical Association, states that during summer, food should be consumed within 2–3 hours of cooking. Cooked food should not be left at room temperature for more than 2–3 hours; if there are leftovers, they should be refrigerated as soon as possible. When stored correctly and with a continuous power supply, food remains safe for 3 to 4 days. Beyond this period, the risk of bacterial growth increases, and the food should not be consumed to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

Foods that spoil quickly
According to experts, cooked rice should be refrigerated within 1–2 hours and is best consumed within 3 days. Lentils (dal) and vegetables generally remain safe in the fridge for 3 to 4 days but must be reheated thoroughly before consumption. Cooked chicken, mutton, or other non-vegetarian dishes can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days; if longer storage is required, the freezer should be used. Additionally, dairy-based items like paneer, custard, or sweets can spoil quickly and are best consumed within 2–3 days.

How to identify spoiled food

To store food properly in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container immediately after it has cooled down. Maintain the refrigerator temperature at 4°C or lower. Avoid repeatedly heating and cooling food. Label containers with the date so you know when the food was stored. If refrigerated food tastes sour or develops an odd odor, discard it immediately and do not consume it. Changes in color, a sticky or unusual texture, the presence of mold, or visible bubbles indicate that the food has spoiled.

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